Method, Apparatus, and Computer Program Product for Allowing Payment Cards Issued for Only Limited Duration Use to be Reused Multiple Times to Reduce the Overall Cost of Issuance

ABSTRACT

A recyclable contactless payment device is issued to a first patron of a venue. Use of the contactless payment device at the venue by the first patron is facilitated, as is return of the contactless payment device by the first patron for recycling. The contactless payment device is deactivated and stored. The issuing and facilitation of use are repeated for at least a second patron of the venue, with the same recyclable contactless payment device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/221,802 filed on Jun. 30, 2009 and entitled“Method, Apparatus, and Computer Program Product for Allowing PaymentCards Issued for Only Limited Duration Use to be Reused Multiple Timesto Reduce the Overall Cost of Issuance.” The complete disclosure of theaforementioned Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/221,802 isexpressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electronic commerce, and,more particularly, to electronic payment systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an interest in employing cash alternatives in a variety ofenvironments. Such cash alternatives can include, for example, paymentdevices such as chip-based payment cards and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Principles of the present invention provide techniques for allowingpayment cards issued for only limited duration use to be reused multipletimes to reduce the overall cost of issuance.

In one aspect, an exemplary method includes issuing a recyclablecontactless payment device to a first patron of a venue; facilitatingthe first patron using the contactless payment device at the venue;facilitating the first patron returning the contactless payment devicefor recycling; deactivating and storing the contactless payment device;and repeating the issuing and facilitating using steps for at least asecond patron of the venue, with the recyclable contactless paymentdevice.

In another aspect, an exemplary apparatus includes a memory; a networkinterface; at least one processor, coupled to the memory and the networkinterface; and a plurality of distinct software modules embodied on atleast one tangible computer readable recordable storage medium. Themodules include a return detection module, a refund module, a balanceand preference database module, and a deactivation module. The distinctsoftware modules, when loaded into the memory, cause the at least oneprocessor to be operative to store first user preference information inthe balance and preference database module. The first user preferenceinformation is associated with a recyclable contactless payment deviceissued to a first patron of a venue. The distinct software modules, whenloaded into the memory, also cause the at least one processor to beoperative, after the first patron has used the contactless paymentdevice at the venue, to detect, by executing the return detection moduleand by communication over the network interface, that the first patronhas returned the recyclable contactless payment device for recycling andthat the recyclable contactless payment device returned for recycling bythe first patron is genuine. The distinct software modules, when loadedinto the memory, further cause the at least one processor to beoperative to detect, by executing the refund module interfacing with thebalance and preference database module, that a remaining balance existsand is to be disposed of in accordance with the first user preferenceinformation; to deactivate the recyclable contactless payment device byexecuting the deactivation module; to dispose of the remaining balanceof the recyclable contactless payment device in accordance with thepreference information by executing the refund module; and to storesecond user preference information in the balance and preferencedatabase module. The second user preference information is associatedwith the recyclable contactless payment device in connection with issueof the recyclable contactless payment device to a second patron of thevenue.

One or more embodiments of the invention or elements thereof can beimplemented in the form of a computer program product including atangible computer readable recordable storage medium with computerusable program code for performing the method steps indicated.Furthermore, one or more embodiments of the invention or elementsthereof can be implemented in the form of a system (or apparatus)including a memory and at least one processor that is coupled to thememory and operative to perform exemplary method steps. Yet further, inanother aspect, one or more embodiments of the invention or elementsthereof can be implemented in the form of means for carrying out one ormore of the method steps described herein; the means can include (i)hardware module(s), (ii) software module(s), or (iii) a combination ofhardware and software modules; any of (i)-(iii) implement the specifictechniques set forth herein, and the software modules are stored in atangible computer-readable recordable storage medium (or multiple suchmedia).

In still another aspect, a computer program product includes a tangiblecomputer readable recordable storage medium; the tangible computerreadable recordable storage medium embodies computer usable program codeconfigured such that, when executed by at least one hardware processor,the computer usable program code causes the at least one hardwareprocessor to store first user preference information in a balance andpreference database. The first user preference information is associatedwith a recyclable contactless payment device issued to a first patron ofa venue. The computer usable program code also causes the at least onehardware processor to detect, after the first patron has used thecontactless payment device at the venue, that the first patron hasreturned the recyclable contactless payment device for recycling andthat the recyclable contactless payment device returned for recycling bythe first patron is genuine; detect that a remaining balance exists andis to be disposed of in accordance with the first user preferenceinformation; deactivate the recyclable contactless payment device;dispose of the remaining balance of the recyclable contactless paymentdevice in accordance with the preference information; and store seconduser preference information in the balance and preference database. Thesecond user preference information is associated with the recyclablecontactless payment device in connection with issue of the recyclablecontactless payment device to a second patron of the venue.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a system that can implement techniques of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary inter-relationship between and among: (i) apayment network configured to facilitate transactions between multipleissuers and multiple acquirers, (ii) a plurality of users, (iii) aplurality of merchants, (iv) a plurality of acquirers, and (v) aplurality of issuers;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system, according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of exemplary method steps, according to anotheraspect of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system useful in oneor more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Attention should initially be given to FIG. 1, which depicts anexemplary embodiment of a system 100, according to an aspect of thepresent invention, and including various possible components of thesystem. System 100 can include one or more different types of portablepayment devices. For example, one such device can be a contact devicesuch as card 102. Card 102 can include an integrated circuit (IC) chip104 having a processor portion 106 and a memory portion 108. A pluralityof electrical contacts 110 can be provided for communication purposes.In addition to or instead of card 102, system 100 can also be designedto work with a contactless device such as card 112. Card 112 can includean IC chip 114 having a processor portion 116 and a memory portion 118.An antenna 120 can be provided for contactless communication, such as,for example, using radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves. Anoscillator or oscillators, and/or additional appropriate circuitry forone or more of modulation, demodulation, downconversion, and the likecan be provided. Note that cards 102, 112 are exemplary of a variety ofdevices that can be employed with techniques of the invention. Forcompleteness, note conventional card 150 having a magnetic stripe 152.

The ICs 104, 114 can contain processing units 106, 116 and memory units108, 118. Preferably, the ICs 104, 114 can also include one or more ofcontrol logic, a timer, and input/output ports. Such elements are wellknown in the IC art and are not separately illustrated. One or both ofthe ICs 104, 114 can also include a co-processor, again, well-known andnot separately illustrated. The control logic can provide, inconjunction with processing units 106, 116, the control necessary tohandle communications between memory unit 108, 118 and the input/outputports. The timer can provide a timing reference signal from processingunits 106, 116 and the control logic. The co-processor could provide theability to perform complex computations in real time, such as thoserequired by cryptographic techniques.

The memory portions or units 108, 118 may include different types ofmemory, such as volatile and non-volatile memory and read-only andprogrammable memory. The memory units can store transaction card datasuch as, e.g., a user's primary account number (“PAN”) and/or personalidentification number (“PIN”). The memory portions or units 108, 118 canstore the operating system of the cards 102, 112. The operating systemloads and executes applications and provides file management or otherbasic card services to the applications. One operating system that canbe used to implement the present invention is the MULTOS® operatingsystem licensed by MAOSCO Limited. (MAOSCO Limited, St. Andrews House,The Links, Kelvin Close, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7PB, United Kingdom)Alternatively, JAVA CARD™-based operating systems, based on JAVA CARD™technology (licensed by Sun Microsystems, Inc., 4150 Network Circle,Santa Clara, Calif. 95054 USA), or proprietary operating systemsavailable from a number of vendors, could be employed. Preferably, theoperating system is stored in read-only memory (“ROM”) within memoryportion 108, 118. In an alternate embodiment, flash memory or othernon-volatile and/or volatile types of memory may also be used in thememory units 108, 118.

In addition to the basic services provided by the operating system,memory portions 108, 118 may also include one or more applications. Atpresent, one possible specification to which such applications mayconform is the EMV interoperable payments specification set forth byEMVCo, LLC (901 Metro Center Boulevard, Mailstop M3-3D, Foster City,Calif., 94404, USA). It will be appreciated that, strictly speaking, theEMV specification defines the behavior of a terminal; however, the cardcan be configured to conform to such EMV-compliant terminal behavior andin this sense is itself EMV-compliant. It will also be appreciated thatapplications in accordance with the present invention can be configuredin a variety of different ways.

It should be noted that the skilled artisan will be familiar with theEMV specifications. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, thefollowing documents are expressly incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety for all purposes (the same are published by EMVCo andavailable on EMVCo's web site):

-   -   EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems        Book 1 Application Independent ICC to Terminal Interface        Requirements Version 4.2 June 2008    -   EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems        Book 2 Security and Key Management Version 4.2 June 2008    -   EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems        Book 3 Application Specification Version 4.2 June 2008    -   EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems        Book 4 Cardholder, Attendant, and Acquirer Interface        Requirements Version 4.2 June 2008

As noted, cards 102, 112 are examples of a variety of payment devicesthat can be employed with techniques of the present invention. Suchdevices could include cards having a conventional form factor, smalleror larger cards, cards of different shape, and the like. The cards, orother payment devices, can include body portions (e.g., laminatedplastic layers of a payment card), memories 108, 118 associated with thebody portions, and processors 106, 116 associated with the body portionsand coupled to the memories. The memories 108, 118 can containappropriate applications. The processors 106, 116 can be operative tofacilitate execution of one or more method steps. The applications canbe, for example, application identifiers (AIDs) linked to software codein the form of firmware plus data in a card memory such as anelectrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Cards orother devices could have a single interface (e.g., contacted,contactless, or magnetic stripe), or more than one interface (forexample, both contacted and contactless). For completeness, note thatappropriately configured cellular telephone handsets, and other devices,such as wristbands, discussed further below, can be used as contactlesspayment devices in some instances.

A number of different types of terminals can be employed with system100. Such terminals can include a contact terminal 122 configured tointerface with contact-type device 102, a wireless terminal 124configured to interface with wireless device 112, or a combined terminal126. For completeness, note magnetic stripe terminal 125 configured tointerface with a magnetic stripe device 150. Combined terminal 126 isdesigned to interface with any combination of devices 102, 112, 150.Some terminals can be contact terminals with plug-in contactlessreaders. Combined terminal 126 can include a memory 128, a processorportion 130, a reader module 132, and optionally an item interfacemodule such as a bar code scanner 134 and/or a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag reader 136. Items 128, 132, 134, 136 can becoupled to the processor 130. Note that the principles of constructionof terminal 126 are applicable to other types of terminals and aredescribed in detail for illustrative purposes. Reader module 132 can beconfigured for contact communication with card or device 102,contactless communication with card or device 112, reading of magneticstripe 152, or a combination of any two or more of the foregoing(different types of readers can be provided to interact with differenttypes of cards e.g., contacted, magnetic stripe, or contactless).Terminals 122, 124, 125, 126 can be connected to one or more processingcenters 140, 142, 144 via a computer network 138. Network 138 couldinclude, for example, the Internet, or a proprietary network (e.g., avirtual private network (VPN) such as is described with respect to FIG.2 below). More than one network could be employed to connect differentelements of the system. For example, a local area network (LAN) couldconnect a terminal to a local server or other computer at a retailestablishment. A payment network could connect acquirers and issuers.Further details regarding one specific form of payment network will beprovided below. Processing centers 140, 142, 144 can include, forexample, a host computer of an issuer of a payment device. Furtherdetails regarding one specific form of network will be provided below.

Many different retail or other establishments, represented bypoints-of-sale 146, 148, can be connected to network 138. Each suchestablishment can have one or more terminals. Further, different typesof portable payment devices, terminals, or other elements or componentscan combine or “mix and match” one or more features depicted on theexemplary devices in FIG. 1.

Portable payment devices can facilitate transactions by a user with aterminal, such as 122, 124, 125, 126, of a system such as system 100.Such a device can include a processor, for example, the processing units106, 116 discussed above. The device can also include a memory, such asmemory portions 108, 118 discussed above, that is coupled to theprocessor. Further, the device can include a communications module thatis coupled to the processor and configured to interface with a terminalsuch as one of the terminals 122, 124, 125, 126. The communicationsmodule can include, for example, the contacts 110 or antennas 120together with appropriate circuitry (such as the aforementionedoscillator or oscillators and related circuitry) that permitsinterfacing with the terminals via contact or wireless communication.The processor of the apparatus can be operable to perform one or moresteps of appropriate methods and techniques. The processor can performsuch operations via hardware techniques, and/or under the influence ofprogram instructions, such as an application, stored in one of thememory units.

As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action,making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causingthe action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation,instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an actioncarried out by instructions executing on a remote processor, by sendingappropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed.For the avoidance of doubt, where an actor facilitates an action byother than performing the action, the action is nevertheless performedby some entity or combination of entities.

The portable device can include a body portion. For example, this couldbe a laminated plastic body (as discussed above) in the case of “smart”or “chip” cards 102, 112, or the handset chassis and body in the case ofa cellular telephone.

It will be appreciated that the terminals 122, 124, 125, 126 areexamples of terminal apparatuses for interacting with a payment deviceof a. The apparatus can include a processor such as processor 130, amemory such as memory 128 that is coupled to the processor, and acommunications module such as 132 that is coupled to the processor andconfigured to interface with the portable apparatuses 102, 112, 142. Theprocessor 130 can be operable to communicate with portable paymentdevices of a user via the communications module 132. The terminalapparatuses can function via hardware techniques in processor 130, or byprogram instructions stored in memory 128. Such logic could optionallybe provided from a central location such as processing center 140 overnetwork 138. In some instances, the aforementioned bar code scanner 134and/or RFID tag reader 136 can be provided, and can be coupled to theprocessor, to gather attribute data, such as a product identification,from a UPC code or RFID tag on a product to be purchased.

The above-described devices 102, 112 can be ISO 7816-compliant contactcards or devices or ISO 14443-compliant proximity cards or devices. Inoperation, card 112 can be touched or tapped on the terminal 124 or 128(or an associated reader), which then contactlessly transmits theelectronic data to the proximity IC chip in the card 112 or otherwireless device. For completeness, note that magnetic stripe cards canbe swiped in a well-known manner.

One or more of the processing centers 140, 142, 144 can include adatabase such as a data warehouse 154 for storing information ofinterest. The description of devices, elements, or components 112, 114,116, 118, 120 throughout this document are equally applicable toanalogous aspects of unconventional contactless payment devices such aswrist bands or the like.

With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary relationship among multipleentities is depicted. A number of different users 2002, U₁, U₂ . . .U_(N), interact with a number of different merchants 2004, P₁, P₂ . . .P_(M). Merchants 2004 interact with a number of different acquirers2006, A₁, A₂ . . . A_(l). Acquirers 2006 interact with a number ofdifferent issuers 2010, I₁, I₂ . . . I_(J), through a single operator2008 of a payment network (for example, a virtual private network (VPN))configured to facilitate transactions between multiple issuers andmultiple acquirers; for example, MasterCard International Incorporated,operator of the BANKNET® network, or Visa International ServiceAssociation, operator of the VISANET® network. In general, N, M, I, andJ are integers that can be equal or not equal. Users 2002 could include,e.g., people attending an event. Merchants 2004 could include one ormore parties staging an event; e.g., football teams or the like.

During a conventional credit authorization process, the cardholder 2002pays for the purchase and the merchant 2004 submits the transaction tothe acquirer (acquiring bank) 2006. The acquirer verifies the cardnumber, the transaction type and the amount with the issuer 2010 andreserves that amount of the cardholder's credit limit for the merchant(or checks against a demand deposit balance, in the case of a debitcard, or checks against a balance stored on a server (for example, inthe case of a prepaid card)). At this point, the authorization requestand response have been exchanged, typically in real time. Authorizedtransactions are stored in “batches,” which are sent to the acquirer2006. During subsequent clearing and settlement, the acquirer sends thebatch transactions through the credit card association, which debits theissuers 2010 for payment and credits the acquirer 2006. Once theacquirer 2006 has been paid, the acquirer 2006 pays the merchant 2004.

It will be appreciated that the network 2008 shown in FIG. 2 is anexample of a payment network configured to facilitate transactionsbetween multiple issuers and multiple acquirers, which may be thought ofas an “open” system. Some embodiments of the invention may be employedwith other kinds of payment networks, for example, proprietary or closedpayments networks.

Some embodiments may be employed with payment systems such as EMV wheresome transactions may be authorized offline without the authorizationrequest and response exchange with the issuer and these offlineauthorized transactions are also stored in “batches” which are latersent for clearing and settlement.

Messages within a network such as network 138 and/or network 2008, may,in at least some instances, conform to the International Organizationfor Standardization (ISO) Standard 8583, Financial transaction cardoriginated messages—Interchange message specifications, which is the ISOstandard for systems that exchange electronic transactions made bycardholders using payment cards. It should be noted that the skilledartisan will be familiar with the ISO 8583 standards. Nevertheless, outof an abundance of caution, the following documents are expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes(published by ISO, Geneva, Switzerland, and available on the ISO website):

-   -   ISO 8583 Part 1: Messages, data elements and code values (2003)    -   ISO 8583 Part 2: Application and registration procedures for        Institution Identification Codes (IIC) (1998)    -   ISO 8583 Part 3: Maintenance procedures for messages, data        elements and code values (2003)

In chip based payment products, the total funds available to thecardholder can either be located on the card, which is ideal foroff-line purchases, or can be located on the payment provider's server(the Issuer), which is ideal for on-line purchases. However dependingwhere the funds are located, some functionality may not be available.For example, a preauthorized off-line card balance cannot be used fortelephone or internet purchases. An on-line balance may not be ideal atmerchant locations that cannot support high speed on-line authorizationsor where fast throughput requirements favor offline transactions (forexample, the entrance to a transit system such as an underground, metro,subway, or the like).

As used herein, an “on-line” transaction is one which undergoes aconventional authorization request and authorization response process,typically with the issuer (understood to also include an issuerprocessor acting on the issuer's behalf). The actual authorizationprovided back to the terminal may not come from the issuer; a thirdparty may provide same on behalf of the issuer. Furthermore, an“off-line” transaction is one which does not undergo such a conventionalprocess, but rather relies on local approval between the card andterminal, based on a balance stored on the card or the like; that is,the terminal seeks approval for the transaction from the card.

A contact transaction as referenced in the EMV payment standards isconducted with a card via a physical electrical connection to that card,typically, through a series of up to eight contacts. A contactlesstransaction as referenced in the EMV payment standards is conducted witha card via electromagnetic waves such as a radio signal, where nophysical contact is required. Furthermore, a contact interface isdefined in the ISO/IEC 7816 while a contactless interface is defined inISO/IEC 14443 and/or in the NFC Standard. With regard to the latter, NFCwas approved as an ISO/IEC standard on Dec. 8, 2003 and later as an ECMAstandard. NFC is an open platform technology standardized in ECMA-340and ISO/IEC 18092. The modulation schemes, coding, transfer speeds andframe format of the RF interface of NFC devices are specified in thesestandards, as are initialization schemes and conditions required fordata collision-control during initialization-for both passive and activeNFC modes. The standards also define the transport protocol, includingprotocol activation and data-exchange methods. Air interface for NFC isstandardized in: ISO/IEC 18092/ECMA-340: Near Field CommunicationInterface and Protocol-1 (NFCIP-1) ISO/IEC 21481/ECMA-352: Near FieldCommunication Interface and Protocol-2 (NFCIP-2). All documentsmentioned in this paragraph, including ISO IEC 7816, ISO/IEC 14443, andthe complete suite of documents related to NFC, are expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Reference should now be had to system diagram 300 of FIG. 3 and flowchart 400 of FIG. 4. In the flow chart, processing begins in step 402.

In one or more embodiments, a chip card solution is provided to sportsand event venues 302 as a method to reduce the level of cash handling.If cards are issued only for use at a single event, the cost of issuingthe card ($2 to $5) may be prohibitive. One or more embodimentsencourage cardholders to return their cards on exit from the event, andthe cards are then reused at the next event. This allows the card costto be shared over a number of events, reducing the overall issuance costper event. Entry to and exit from an event or venue are indicated by,respectively, “IN” and “OUT” arrows 306.

Embodiments of the invention enhance the viability of the temporaryissuance of chip cards for use at a short duration event or venue, andmay also be used, for example, at theme parks, hotels and resorts forthe same purpose. A non-limiting example of such cards, with associatedfinancial services, is the PAYPASS® smart card and associated financialservices (registered mark of MasterCard International Incorporated, 2000Purchase Street, Purchase, N.Y. 10577-2509 USA).

In general, in one or more embodiments, the card is in an inactive statewhile being stored and/or held ready for issuance at a kiosk (ticketingkiosk TK 310), ticketing agent (ticket window TW 308), or venue 302. Seestep 404. Cards may be issued, for example, at kiosk 310, agent 308,venue 302, by mail 312, and so on.

In one or more embodiments, as per step 406, at issuance, the card isenabled and any value required loaded onto the card. It is possible totake a deposit at this stage, and also any preferences for the return oruse of funds when returned can be identified. This may include, forexample:

-   -   Unused funds (including any deposit) returned to funding source        (assuming it is not cash).    -   Unused funds (including any deposit) given to a charity.    -   Device not to be returned; rather, purchased for use as a        general prepaid card.

Terms and conditions, and notification of any charges levied can beprovided at this stage. In some instances, if funds are below a certainlevel, they are given to charity automatically when the device isreturned.

In some instances, the cardholder is allowed to top up the card duringthe event if he or she runs low on funds. Use at the venue or event isshown at step 408.

On exit, the cardholder can return his or her card in a number of ways;see step 414:

-   -   At a manned ticket agent 308, especially if a cash refund is        required.    -   At a kiosk 310.    -   Put in a large (preferably secure) hopper 314 on the way out.    -   Mail card back, as shown at 312.

Regardless of how the card is returned after the event, the deactivationprocess 416 will typically be the same in each case. Any funds remaining(plus any deposit) are refunded as per the agreed policy and/orcardholder preferences. The balance on the card is zeroed and the cardis put back into an inactive state reader for re-use. A physicalcleaning process for the returned card may also be undertaken.

It should be noted that when moved from active to inactive states, orvisa versa, the issuer (or card manager) should receive conformation sothat the issuer (or card manager) knows the exact state of the cardstock. This process can, in some instances, also involve removing and/orre-loading the PAN and expiry date on each occasion.

One or more embodiments of the invention provide the potential forsignificant operational and/or commercial savings by introducingcontactless payment systems to many venues and/or events which arecurrently cash dominated. In one or more embodiments, issue contactlesspayment products directly to those attending an event. Traditionalissuance methods and products are not ideally suited to theseenvironments, especially when the cardholder may only use an issued cardfor a few transactions within the venue or event before discarding itwhen he or she leaves. The issuance cost in such situations cannot bejustified or recovered from transaction revenues. In one or moreembodiments, introduce a deposit on issued cards, and re-use any cardsreturned (where the deposit is refunded) at subsequent events or venues,thus reducing issuance costs to an economic level.

The cost of issuing a chip card is the sum of a number of charges:

-   -   Manufacturing costs—the cost of making the physical card.    -   Personalization costs—the cost of encoding the chip, and so on.    -   Fulfilment costs—the cost of getting the card into the hands of        the final cardholder.

If a card can be reused, then the manufacturing and possibly thepersonalisation costs can be shared over multiple issuances of the card.However this savings must be balanced against new costs introduced, suchas those for collecting and recycling cards after an event. It ispresently believed that the deposit should be set at a level (say, 3-5US Dollars) to fully cover the card if it is not returned, while beinglow enough not to discourage attendees of the event. Cards which arereturned should be reset, tested, cleaned and re-packed ready forre-use, thus saving the cost of purchasing new cards for every event(see step 416). If sufficient attendees keep and continue to use theircards, new revenue may also be available to the venue from the prepaidissuer for assisting the prepaid issuer in acquiring new customers. Seedecision block 410—users may opt to keep the card (right hand “YES”branch of block 410 leading to step 412, wherein the card is kept andused normally). If the card is to be returned (lower “NO” branch ofblock 410), steps 414 and 416 proceed as described.

It is desirable that card distribution can be undertaken alongsideexisting ticket delivery and/or fulfilment systems. This involvestickets being issued by ticket agents for fulfilment via the mail, faceto face, and at unmanned kiosks. Anonymous prepaid chip cards can bemade available to all customers, not just those which pass creditscoring. Cardholder information and/or preferences should however becaptured (if possible) to allow the simple refund of any unused balanceand deposit if the card is returned. As cards may be used multipletimes, card artwork typically will not be specific to a single event(although in some cases, single-event artwork might be provided on thecard for souvenir purposes). In some embodiments, depending on thedeposit level, the venue may want to encourage users to keep cards bymaking them collectable. Instant issuance capabilities are highlydesirable. It is presently believed unlikely that an Issuer's bank cardpersonalisation and/or fulfilment bureau will be suitable for use withinthis market.

It is presently believed desirable that, where possible, the cardholderbe given the confidence to load in advance more than sufficient fundsfor use at the venue and/or event. This can be undertaken, for example,when tickets are ordered, via a web portal after the card is received,or via cash at a retail store using one of the prepaid load networks. Anon-limiting example of the latter is the MasterCard rePower™ LoadNetwork, a service from MasterCard International Incorporated ofPurchase, N.Y., USA, which allows adding money to eligible MasterCard orMaestro® prepaid cards at thousands of participating retailer locations(mark/registered mark of MasterCard International Incorporated ofPurchase, N.Y., USA).

In some instances, cards may be promoted as a savings product, allowingthe cardholder to save up for the event in the months preceding theevent, by loading funds when money is available. In such cases, the cardmay not be enabled to spend the funds until the day(s) before the event.In EMV markets where funds may be held on the chip, systems should beprovided at the venue to allow the chip to be updated. Within the venue,it should be possible to add additional funds onto the card, ifrequired, using cash or other payment source. This may be undertaken ata kiosk or booth.

It is presently believed desirable that systems be implemented to allowfunds to be transferred electronically from another account. This may bean auto load process, selected as part of the cardholder's preferences,or instigated from a mobile device (for example, a phone, text or webportal) using the original account used to fund the card balance.

Cards can be returned in a number of ways:

-   -   Thrown into a collection hopper 314 as a cardholder leaves the        venue and/or event (automated refund based on defined        preferences).    -   Inserted into a Kiosk 310 where the refund method may be        selected; cash refund also possible.    -   Taken to manned ticket booth 308 where the refund method may be        selected; cash refund also possible.    -   Mailed back to venue 302, as at 312, within a given time period        following the event (retailers around the event can therefore        also be encouraged to accept chip cards according to aspects of        the invention).

It is believed desirable that it be convenient to return cards, and thatthe cost associated with doing so be reasonable. Collecting cardholderpreferences in advance to allow the return and refund process to beautomated is therefore desirable. However, some cardholders will wish totruly remain anonymous. Systems and services can be provided to allowcards, once returned, to be processed ready for reuse.

In one or more embodiments, when a card is returned by a cardholder, thefollowing steps are undertaken:

-   -   On return of the card (preferably immediately), the cardholder        is advised of the balance on the card. This may be, for example,        via a display on the equipment, e-mail, or a text message sent        to the customer's phone. See step 416.    -   The following tasks may then be undertaken immediately, or the        card stored securely for batch processing at a later stage (e.g.        after the event and/or venue has closed).    -   The remaining balance on the card is cleared with any funds        remaining distributed according to scheme rules and/or        cardholder preferences. Normally, unused funds will be returned        to the cardholder after any fees are deducted. However, if the        balance is below a minimum threshold, in some embodiments, no        refund is made, and the funds instead are donated to charity,        for example, to minimize costs. A message (email and/or text)        may be sent to the cardholder to inform the cardholder that a        refund has been made, and the amount refunded. See step 416.    -   The card will then be tested electronically to ensure it is        fully functional, The card may then be cleaned before being        visually inspected (possibly using an automated vision system)        to ensure it has not become physically damaged or its appearance        significantly degraded.    -   The card will then be deactivated to prevent use, and the        organization managing the financial account advised so they can        flag their systems accordingly. When re-issued, the card will be        re-activated. This can be carried out via a cryptographically        protected process, with the involvement of the issuer.    -   The card is then packed for storage until the next time it is        required for issuance, as indicated by the return arrow from        step 416 to prior to step 404.

In one or more embodiments, to allow the stadium and/or event market togo cashless, everyone attending needs access to contactless payments.For some, this will be a traditional contactless payment card alreadycarried by the cardholder, such as a MasterCard® card or Maestro™ card,enabled with PayPass® technology (marks of MasterCard InternationalIncorporated of Purchase, N.Y., USA); for everyone else, products thatcan be issued in advance, or at the venue by the event organizer and/orticketing agent, are advisable.

In at least some instances, it is desired to remove cash from the venue.Thus, the loading or top-up of products, such as pre-paid payment cardsis, in one or more embodiments, conducted outside the venue, or fromanother electronic payment source.

One significant aspect involves improving the speed of service atconcession outlets (for example, vendor V 304 within the stadium 302);thus, due care should be undertaken when developing the acceptanceinfrastructure within a venue to ensure venue objectives are achieved.One or more embodiments provide the appeal of recycling, andenvironmentally friendly initiatives in general, in addition tooperational savings for venues and/or events.

It is presently believed desirable that the fee structure around the useof the card be clearly identified (of course, all applicable rules andregulations regarding disclosure of fees and the like should be fullycomplied with). In some instances, cash loading may attract greater feesdue to the costs levied by retail reload networks. In some cases, whenrefunding any unused balances, a fee may appropriately be charged,depending on the method used, and the type of refund given. Transaction,service, and/or ATM fees may also be applicable if the cardholderchooses to use the card outside the venue.

When selecting preferences, for small balances remaining on the card, anoption may be given (or mandated) to donate the funds to charity. Inmost cases, the venue and/or event ticket and the recyclable paymentcard will be separate and not combined into a single product. However,in some instances, greater saving can be realized by combining the twoproducts.

One or more embodiments include appropriate products, deployableinfrastructure, commercial frameworks, and detailed positive businesscases for all significant parties involved (payment network operator2008, Issuer 2010, venue 302, vendors 304).

One or more instances of the invention may be used, for example, in oneor more of stadiums, events, exhibitions, concerts, festivals and themeparks, to provide cost effective electronic payments solutions tominimize cash handling. Use of a well-known contactless payment methodin these kinds of environments, such as the PayPass® solution, provides,in one or more instances, a number of significant advantages:

-   -   An increasing number of people attending in the future will        likely carry their own bank-issued contactless payment card;        thus, the number of cards a venue needs to issue will likely        reduce over time.    -   Use of a well-known brand of contactless payment device provides        people confidence to load funds onto the product in the        knowledge that if they do not spend everything at the event,        they can use the product in retail outlets until the funds are        exhausted.    -   Through repower and other reload networks, funds can be loaded        in advance of arriving at the venue and/or event, further        reducing cash handling.    -   As part of a worldwide program, cards, terminals, acceptance and        issuance infrastructure can be sourced from a wide range of        independent vendors at competitive rates.    -   Contactless payment device acceptance, such as for the        MasterCard PayPass® solution, enables a broad spectrum of        contactless payment device solutions, including cards, wrist        bands, key fobs, tickets, stickers and even payment-enabled        mobile phones.

At present, contactless payment cards may not be widely enough held tolimit all payments at an event or venue to this mode, without makingcards available to those attendees who do not have their own. Howeverusing traditional bank products and issuance systems, this could beconsidered prohibitively expensive ($3 to $10), especially if cards areonly used for a single event. Thus, recycling contactless payment cardsprovides, in one or more embodiments, a number of significant advantagesover traditional products issued only once:

-   -   The cost of card production and personalization can be shared        across a number of events, improving the overall business case        for a venue and/or event organizer by reducing issuance costs.    -   This solution can be combined with other initiatives to result        in an environmentally friendly, charitable event or venue.    -   For the venue, while encouraging cardholders to provide        preference information to allow automated refunds when a card is        returned, valuable customer relationship management (CRM)        information can also be collected.    -   For the prepaid issuer, open loop contactless payment cards can        be used as a customer acquisition tool promoting usage beyond        any individual event or venue.    -   Instant issuance systems may be provided in one or more        embodiments to allow venues and ticket agents to personalize and        load value onto these products.

A significant use of contactless payment cards is as a cash replacementproduct, to provide improved cardholder convenience, faster merchantthroughput, and efficiency savings. As with many such new technologies,a challenge to rapid mass adoption is balancing the issuance of cardsand installation of acceptance locations. In closed environments such asstadiums, events, exhibitions, concerts, festivals and theme parks, itis possible to control both card issuance and acceptance locations. Itis believed that such locations can benefit from a cashless environment.

One or more embodiments make use of existing anonymous prepaid paymentcards, such as PayPass cards using PayPass Mag-Stripe or PayPass MChipprofiles. Appropriate rules and agreements for the issuance of thesecards to multiple cardholders (recycling) can be provided. For example,in some cases, existing licences may assume a card will only be issuedto one cardholder; such may need to be amended in order to obtainissuance revenue each time a recycled card is issued, if appropriate.

In some instances, a card may be personalized only once, and a fixed PANand expiry date may be maintained during its whole life; in other cases,these may need to be changed each time a card is issued. In one or moreembodiments, after a card is returned, it is put into an inactive statewhile awaiting re-issuance. In at least some cases, appropriatelimitations should be implemented on the card and/or card account toprevent a cardholder setting up post dated transactions that willpotentially be charged to a future cardholder.

Another non-limiting exemplary use of one or more embodiments allowstransit operators the ability to offer occasional customers costeffective fare media.

It should be noted that in one or more embodiments, for a paymentdevice, issuer scripting can be used to physically undertake theadjustment of the offline balance. Issuer scripting is per se known tothe skilled artisan; given the teachings herein, the skilled artisanwill be able to employ issuer scripting to implement one or moreembodiments of the invention.

In another aspect, when a card is returned for recycling, instead of theholder getting his or her money back, he or she can request that apermanent card be issued to him or her (for example, instantly or bymail) with the balance transferred onto the permanent card. This aspectprovides, for example, a useful way of moving a consumer from ananonymous card to a fully personalized card (with his or her name onit). Additional advantages include the opportunity for the holder toobtain a new card if the temporary card is worn or scuffed, and/or theopportunity to obtain a “real” card usable outside the venue, if theholder was originally issued a wrist band, or paper ticket._This aspectworks on the basis, that if the holder had a good experience, he or shemay now want to sign up to a permanent card, and not want to just keepthe original temporary card that was issued. This aspect may, in atleast some instances, involve an additional fee; however, by returning(or not returning) the original card, the holder may get a discount offthe full price as he or she has already paid a deposit.

In some instances, as part of the preferences for a holder (for example,when the temporary card is initially applied for or returned), theholder may specify that rather than getting a refund, a new personalizedcard may be issued at a kiosk or via mail. Thus, the temporary card maybe returned or retained as a souvenir, and a new card obtained. If thebalance is an on-line balance only, the old card can be left with theholder and used until the new card arrives, and then deactivated. Insum, the relationship with the holder can be retained after the eventends. The fee for the new card may be adjusted to recognize the depositpaid (in some instances, even if the temporary card is not returned).

In still another aspect, in many instances, companies do not obtainpayment directly from the consumer, but act through a third partyintermediary. This is quite common, for example, in vending machinescenarios. In many situations, the event or venue, although it mayaccept credit and/or debit cards, may have no access whatsoever to thecard data. To comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data SecurityStandard) rules promulgated by the PCI Security Standards Counsel, manyorganizations incorporate credit and/or debit acceptance into theirsystems as a “black box.” Using this approach, such organizations onlyknow that the payment they asked for has been successfully undertaken,and normally they are given a reference number for the transaction. Suchaspects address concerns regarding avoiding improper use of storedexpiry data, card numbers, and the like.

The PCI DSS Version 1.2, launched Oct. 1, 2008, together with all priorversions, are expressly incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety for all purposes (although the skilled artisan will already befamiliar with same per se). The same are available from the web site ofthe PCI Security Standards Counsel.

When a refund is required (e.g., when a card is returned for recycling),the event or venue (e.g., vending machine company) will therefore notknow the details of the card to return the funds to. It may therefore benecessary for the venue or event to work with the venue's or event'scredit and/or debit solution provider, to allow such provider toundertake a refund based on the aforementioned reference number (e.g.,“reference number 75,” it being understood that the actual number mightbe longer and more complex, “75” merely being an example). The venue orevent will not know the actual card or card number, only the referencenumber and the fact that payment has been obtained. Accordingly, thereference number must be used in connection with the credit and/or debitsolution provider to provide the refund.

In yet another aspect, if the balance on a card that has been returnedfor recycling has been loaded from various funding sources, to meetlocal banking rules and/or laws, it may be necessary to limit any refundto the value actually loaded from that funding source. This may requireextra intelligence in the refund system, and explicit rules detailed inthe terms and conditions. By way of a non-limiting example, “John” loadshis card three times during an event. First, “John” loads his temporarycard with $50, using his credit card, when he first collects histemporary card. Second, “John” loads his temporary card with $100, usingcash during the event. Third, “John” loads his temporary card with $25,using his debit card, during the event. At the end of the event, he has$55 left on the card when he returns the card for recycling. Localbanking rules and/or laws should be consulted to determine which accountthe funds are to be returned to. In some instances, the refund may needto be split between two or more cards or accounts. Furthermore, where athird party provider is employed, as described above, only a referencenumber and not actual card data may be available. In such cases, therefund procedure may set forth in the terms and conditions. For example,the maximum amount allowable may be refunded to the last funding card oraccount, then the next last, and so on (or vice versa). Of course, termsand conditions should comply with applicable laws and rules, and then befollowed.

Given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that, in generalterms, an exemplary method, according to an aspect of the invention,includes the step, as discussed, for example, in connection with block406, of issuing a recyclable contactless payment device to a firstpatron of a venue 302. The device can be a card of traditional ornontraditional form factor, a wrist band, key fob, ticket, sticker, orother type of contactless payment device. Additional steps include, asdiscussed, for example, in connection with block 408, facilitating thefirst patron using the contactless payment device at the venue; and asdiscussed, for example, in connection with block 414, facilitating thefirst patron returning the contactless payment device for recycling.Further steps, as discussed, for example, in connection with blocks 416,the return arrow from block 416 to block 404, and block 404 includedeactivating and storing the contactless payment device; and repeatingthe issuing and facilitating using steps for at least a second patron ofthe venue, with the recyclable contactless payment device.

In some instances, in association with the issuing step 406, userpreference information is collected from the first patron; and inassociation with the deactivating step 416, a remaining balance of therecyclable contactless payment device is disposed of in accordance withthe preference information (e.g., donated to a charity, refunded to oneor more funding accounts, or the like).

In some instances, as will be discussed further below in connection withFIG. 5, an additional step includes providing a system includingdistinct software modules embodied on at least one tangible computerreadable recordable storage medium. The modules include a returndetection module, a refund module, a balance and preference databasemodule, and a deactivation module. In the step of collecting the userpreference information, the user preference information is stored in thebalance and preference database module, and at least a portion of thebalance and preference database module executes on at least one hardwareprocessor (e.g., an engine to search records in a data store).Additional steps include detecting, with the return detection moduleexecuting on the at least one hardware processor, that the first patronhas returned the recyclable contactless payment device for recycling andthat the recyclable contactless payment device returned for recycling bythe first patron is genuine; and detecting, with the refund moduleexecuting on the at least one hardware processor and interfacing withthe balance and preference database module, that the remaining balanceexists and is to be disposed of in accordance with the user preferenceinformation. The step of deactivating the recyclable contactless paymentdevice can be carried out, for example, using the deactivation moduleexecuting on the at least one hardware processor; and the step ofdisposing of the remaining balance of the recyclable contactless paymentdevice in accordance with the preference information can be carried out,for example, using the refund module executing on the at least onehardware processor.

In some instances, the storing step 404 further includes removing afirst account number and a first expiry date from the recyclablecontactless payment device, and the repeated issuing step 406 includesassociating a second expiry date and a second account number with therecyclable contactless payment device.

In one or more embodiments, an additional step includes offering therecyclable contactless payment device to the first patron in connectionwith marketing an event at the venue. In some cases, the recyclablecontactless payment device further comprises a ticket to the event.

Another optional feature includes affording a patron an opportunity forperiodic planned loads of value associated with the recyclablecontactless payment device prior to the event (for example, “saving up”to have spendable funds to enjoy at the event).

Yet another optional feature includes offering a patron an opportunityto convert the recyclable contactless payment device to a permanent,personalized payment card. In some cases, venue 302 charges a fee to anissuer of the permanent, personalized payment card for helping to securea new cardholder. In some cases, the issuer of the permanent,personalized payment card charges the patron a fee for the conversion.Note that “conversion” does not necessarily imply a physical change inthe recyclable contactless payment device but also providing thepermanent, personalized payment card (the recyclable contactless paymentdevice could be deactivated and discarded, deactivated and retained as asouvenir or the like, or deactivated and re-issued to another patron,for example). In some cases, an additional step includes applying atleast a portion of a deposit paid by the second patron in associationwith the recyclable contactless payment device against the fee for theconversion. Furthermore, in some cases an additional step includes, inassociation with the repeated issuing step, collecting user preferenceinformation from the second patron. The user preference informationmight include for example, an indication of a desire of the patron forthe conversion or, in another aspect, a desire to retain and use therecyclable contactless payment device upon leaving the venue.

As noted, in some cases, the recyclable contactless payment device isformed as a souvenir of the venue and/or an event at the venue (e.g.,with suitable lettering and/or artwork thereon). Furthermore, in somecases, in association with the deactivating step, the patron is advisedof a remaining balance associated with the recyclable contactlesspayment device, and/or the remaining balance of the recyclablecontactless payment device is disposed of (in some cases, for example,where required by local authority, to two or more funding accounts; insome cases, for example, when a third party is employed, by providing areference number to a third party provider).

FIG. 3 shows card 112 with lettering 399 which functions as a souvenirof both the venue (“Famous Stadium”) and the event (Jan. 1, 2011championship game between State and Tech). Card 112 also functions as aticket to admit one fan to the event, as also shown at 399.

As also noted, patrons may be afforded an opportunity to top up thebalance of the recyclable contactless payment device within the venue(and/or before attending an event at the venue).

Given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that, in generalterms, an exemplary apparatus, according to another aspect of theinvention, and as will be discussed further below in connection withFIG. 5, includes a memory 1630, a network interface, and at least oneprocessor 1620, coupled to the memory and the network interface. Alsoincluded are a plurality of distinct software modules embodied on atleast one tangible computer readable recordable storage medium; forexample, a return detection module, a refund module, a balance andpreference database module, and a deactivation module. The distinctsoftware modules, when loaded into the memory, cause the at least oneprocessor to be operative to carry out or otherwise facilitate any one,some, or all of the method steps described herein. For example, in someinstances, the distinct software modules, when loaded into the memory,cause the at least one processor to be operative to store first userpreference information in the balance and preference database module.The first user preference information is associated with a recyclablecontactless payment device issued to a first patron of a venue.Furthermore, in some instances, the distinct software modules, whenloaded into the memory, cause the at least one processor to beoperative, after the first patron has used the contactless paymentdevice at the venue, to detect, by executing the return detection moduleand by communication over the network interface, that the first patronhas returned the recyclable contactless payment device for recycling andthat the recyclable contactless payment device returned for recycling bythe first patron is genuine; to detect, by executing the refund moduleinterfacing with the balance and preference database module, that aremaining balance exists and is to be disposed of in accordance with thefirst user preference information; to deactivate the recyclablecontactless payment device by executing the deactivation module; todispose of the remaining balance of the recyclable contactless paymentdevice in accordance with the preference information by executing therefund module; and to store second user preference information in thebalance and preference database module. The second user preferenceinformation is associated with the recyclable contactless payment devicein connection with issue of the recyclable contactless payment device toa second patron of the venue.

In some cases, the distinct software modules, when loaded into thememory, further cause the at least one processor to be operative toremove a first account number and a first expiry date from therecyclable contactless payment device by executing the deactivationmodule; and associate a second expiry date and a second account numberwith the recyclable contactless payment device in connection with theissue of the recyclable contactless payment device to the second patronof the venue.

As noted elsewhere, the second user preference information can, forexample, indicate that the second patron wishes to convert therecyclable contactless payment device to a permanent, personalizedpayment card; or indicate that the second patron wishes to retain anduse the recyclable contactless payment device upon leaving the venue.

Given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that, in generalterms, an exemplary computer program product, according to anotheraspect of the invention, and as will be discussed further below inconnection with FIG. 5, includes a tangible computer readable recordablestorage medium. The tangible computer readable recordable storage mediumembodies computer usable program code configured such that, whenexecuted by at least one hardware processor, the computer usable programcode causes the at least one hardware processor to carry out orotherwise facilitate any one, some, or all of the method steps describedherein; for example, to store first user preference information in abalance and preference database. The first user preference informationis associated with a recyclable contactless payment device issued to afirst patron of a venue. Additional steps that the computer usableprogram code can cause the at least one hardware processor to carry outor otherwise facilitate include, after the first patron has used thecontactless payment device at the venue, to detect that the first patronhas returned the recyclable contactless payment device for recycling andthat the recyclable contactless payment device returned for recycling bythe first patron is genuine; to detect that a remaining balance existsand is to be disposed of in accordance with the first user preferenceinformation; to deactivate the recyclable contactless payment device; todispose of the remaining balance of the recyclable contactless paymentdevice in accordance with the preference information; and to storesecond user preference information in the balance and preferencedatabase. The second user preference information is associated with therecyclable contactless payment device in connection with issue of therecyclable contactless payment device to a second patron of the venue.In the most general case, the computer usable program code may or maynot be organized into modules and/or sub-modules as described elsewhereherein.

System and Article of Manufacture Details

Embodiments of the invention can employ hardware and/or hardware andsoftware aspects. Software includes but is not limited to firmware,resident software, microcode, etc. Software might be employed, forexample, in connection with one or more of a terminal 122, 124, 125,126, a reader 132, a host, server, and/or processing center 140, 142,144 (optionally with data warehouse 154) of a merchant, issuer,acquirer, processor, program manager or other third party, or paymentprocessing network operator, and the like. Firmware might be employed,for example, in connection with payment devices such as cards 102, 112.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system 1600 that can implement part orall of one or more aspects or processes of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5, memory 1630 configures the processor 1620 (which couldcorrespond, e.g., to processor portions 106, 116, 130, processors ofremote hosts in centers 140, 142, 144, processors of a local server at avenue or event, and the like) to implement one or more aspects of themethods, steps, and functions disclosed herein (collectively, shown asprocess 1680 in FIG. 9). Different method steps can be performed bydifferent processors. The memory 1630 could be distributed or local andthe processor 1620 could be distributed or singular. The memory 1630could be implemented as an electrical, magnetic or optical memory, orany combination of these or other types of storage devices (includingmemory portions as described above with respect to cards 102, 112). Itshould be noted that if distributed processors are employed, eachdistributed processor that makes up processor 1620 generally containsits own addressable memory space. It should also be noted that some orall of computer system 1600 can be incorporated into anapplication-specific or general-use integrated circuit. For example, oneor more method steps could be implemented in hardware in an ASIC ratherthan using firmware. Display 1640 is representative of a variety ofpossible input/output devices.

As is known in the art, part or all of one or more aspects of themethods and apparatus discussed herein may be distributed as an articleof manufacture that itself comprises a tangible computer readablerecordable storage medium having computer readable code means embodiedthereon. The computer readable program code means is operable, inconjunction with a computer system, to carry out all or some of thesteps to perform the methods or create the apparatuses discussed herein.A computer-usable medium may, in general, be a recordable medium (e.g.,floppy disks, hard drives, compact disks, EEPROMs, or memory cards) ormay be a transmission medium (e.g., a network comprising fiber-optics,the world-wide web, cables, or a wireless channel using time-divisionmultiple access, code-division multiple access, or other radio-frequencychannel). Any medium known or developed that can store informationsuitable for use with a computer system may be used. Thecomputer-readable code means is any mechanism for allowing a computer toread instructions and data, such as magnetic variations on a magneticmedia or height variations on the surface of a compact disk. The mediumcan be distributed on multiple physical devices (or over multiplenetworks). For example, one device could be a physical memory mediaassociated with a terminal and another device could be a physical memorymedia associated with a processing center. As used herein, a tangiblecomputer-readable recordable storage medium is intended to encompass arecordable medium which stores data in a non-transitory fashion,examples of which are set forth above, but is not intended to encompassa transmission medium or disembodied signal.

The computer systems and servers described herein each contain a memorythat will configure associated processors to implement the methods,steps, and functions disclosed herein. Such methods, steps, andfunctions can be carried out, e.g., by processing capability on elements102, 112, 122, 124, 125, 126, 140, 142, 144, a server at a venue orevent, or by any combination of the foregoing. The memories could bedistributed or local and the processors could be distributed orsingular. The memories could be implemented as an electrical, magneticor optical memory, or any combination of these or other types of storagedevices. Moreover, the term “memory” should be construed broadly enoughto encompass any information able to be read from or written to anaddress in the addressable space accessed by an associated processor.With this definition, information on a network is still within a memorybecause the associated processor can retrieve the information from thenetwork. Local processing capability may be provided on a local areanetwork (LAN) at a venue or event.

Thus, elements of one or more embodiments of the present invention, suchas, for example, the aforementioned terminals 122, 124, 125, 126,processing centers 140, 142, 144 with data warehouse 154, or paymentdevices such as cards 102, 112 can make use of computer technology withappropriate instructions to implement method steps described herein. Byway of further example, a terminal apparatus 122, 124, 125, 126, 702could include, inter alia, a communications module, an antenna coupledto the communications module, a memory, and at least one processorcoupled to the memory and the communications module and operative tointerrogate a contactless payment device (in lieu of, or in addition to,the antenna and communications module, appropriate contacts and otherelements could be provided to interrogate a contact payment device suchas a contact card or read a magnetic stripe). Some aspects can beimplemented, for example, using one or more servers which include amemory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The memorycould load appropriate software. The processor can be operative toperform one or more method steps described herein or otherwisefacilitate their performance.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of thepresent invention can include a computer program comprising computerprogram code means adapted to perform one or all of the steps of anymethods or claims set forth herein when such program is run on acomputer, and that such program may be embodied on a computer readablemedium. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention caninclude a computer comprising code adapted to cause the computer tocarry out one or more steps of methods or claims set forth herein,together with one or more apparatus elements or features as depicted anddescribed herein.

As used herein, including the claims, a “server” includes a physicaldata processing system (for example, system 1600 as shown in FIG. 5)running a server program. It will be understood that such a physicalserver may or may not include a display, keyboard, or other input/outputcomponents. A “host” includes a physical data processing system (forexample, system 1600 as shown in FIG. 5) running an appropriate program.

Furthermore, it should be noted that any of the methods described hereincan include an additional step of providing a system comprising distinctsoftware modules embodied on one or more tangible computer readablestorage media. All the modules (or any subset thereof) can be on thesame medium, or each can be on a different medium, for example. Themodules can correspond to appropriate blocks or steps in the figures.The method steps can then be carried out using the distinct softwaremodules of the system executing on the one or more hardware processors.Further, a computer program product can include a tangiblecomputer-readable recordable storage medium with code adapted to beexecuted to carry out one or more method steps described herein,including the provision of the system with the distinct softwaremodules.

In one or more embodiments, one or more software modules reside on aserver of a program manager, issuer, and/or issuer processor. It shouldbe noted that in one or more embodiments, a card is changed back andforth between active and inactive states. With reference to FIG. 6,non-limiting exemplary components include a first module 1704 todetermine that a card has been returned and that it is genuine (e.g.,via suitable cryptographic techniques); a second module 1708 todetermine if there are funds available to be refunded or otherwiseredistributed; a first database 1714 connected to the second module andcontaining a record of available funds, and a second (or preference)database 1716 connected to the second module and containing a record ofcardholder preferences and/or terms and conditions of the card. Thesepreferences may be set, for example, when the temporary card is firstprovided to the holder, and may optionally be updated upon return of thetemporary card or otherwise. The second module (or another module) maybe configured to determine how to refund or otherwise distribute anyremaining funds. An additional module 1718 zeroes out the card value anddeactivates the card, and another module 1710 effectuates the refund(preferably after the card is deactivated, to avoid having the remainingbalance exist in two places at once).

Thus, exemplary modules include a return detection module 1704, a refundmodule 1706, a balance and preference database module 1712, and adeactivation module 1718. The collected user preference information canbe stored in said balance and preference database module 1712 (e.g., inpreference database 1716). The balance can be stored in balance database1714. The balance checking and funds sending functions 1708, 1710 couldbe separated if desired. The databases 1714, 1716 can be combined orseparate. The modules can, for example, be part of a platform 1702running on a server of a program manager, issuer, or issuer processor;for example, at a processing center 142. Communication with a physicalcontactless device may be, for example, over a network 138, 2008, via aterminal or reader as shown in FIG. 1 and network interface as shown inFIG. 5, using issuer scripting and/or other suitable commands, messages,and/or protocols. The modules and sub-modules can also run on differentservers at the same or different locations controlled by the same ordifferent entities.

Computers discussed herein can be interconnected, for example, by one ormore of network 138, 2008, another virtual private network (VPN), theInternet, a local area and/or wide area network (LAN and/or WAN), via anEDI layer, and so on. The computers can be programmed, for example, incompiled, interpreted, object-oriented, assembly, and/or machinelanguages, for example, one or more of C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, andthe like (an exemplary and non-limiting list), and can also make use of,for example, Extensible Markup Language (XML), known applicationprograms such as relational database applications, spreadsheets, and thelike. The computers can be programmed to implement the logic depicted inthe flow charts and other figures.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention.

1. A method comprising the steps of: issuing a recyclable contactlesspayment device to a first patron of a venue; facilitating said firstpatron using said contactless payment device at said venue; facilitatingsaid first patron returning said contactless payment device forrecycling; deactivating and storing said contactless payment device; andrepeating said issuing and facilitating using steps for at least asecond patron of said venue, with said recyclable contactless paymentdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the additionalsteps of: in association with said issuing, collecting user preferenceinformation from said first patron; and in association with saiddeactivating, disposing of a remaining balance of said recyclablecontactless payment device in accordance with said preferenceinformation.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: providing asystem, said system in turn comprising distinct software modulesembodied on at least one tangible computer readable recordable storagemedium, said modules comprising a return detection module, a refundmodule, a balance and preference database module, and a deactivationmodule, wherein, in said step of collecting said user preferenceinformation, said user preference information is stored in said balanceand preference database module, at least a portion of said balance andpreference database module executing on at least one hardware processor;detecting, with said return detection module executing on said at leastone hardware processor, that said first patron has returned saidrecyclable contactless payment device for recycling and that saidrecyclable contactless payment device returned for recycling by saidfirst patron is genuine; detecting, with said refund module executing onsaid at least one hardware processor and interfacing with said balanceand preference database module, that said remaining balance exists andis to be disposed of in accordance with said user preferenceinformation; wherein: said step of deactivating said recyclablecontactless payment device is carried out using said deactivation moduleexecuting on said at least one hardware processor; and said step ofdisposing of said remaining balance of said recyclable contactlesspayment device in accordance with said preference information is carriedout using said refund module executing on said at least one hardwareprocessor.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said storing furthercomprises removing a first account number and a first expiry date fromsaid recyclable contactless payment device, and wherein said repeatedissuing step comprises associating a second expiry date and a secondaccount number with said recyclable contactless payment device.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising offering said recyclablecontactless payment device to said first patron in connection withmarketing an event at said venue.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein saidrecyclable contactless payment device further comprises a ticket to saidevent.
 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising affording said firstpatron an opportunity for periodic planned loads of value associatedwith said recyclable contactless payment device prior to said event. 8.The method of claim 1, further comprising offering said second patron anopportunity to convert said recyclable contactless payment device to apermanent, personalized payment card.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising said venue charging a fee to an issuer of said permanent,personalized payment card.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprisingan issuer of said permanent, personalized payment card charging saidsecond patron a fee for said conversion.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising applying at least a portion of a deposit paid by saidsecond patron in association with said recyclable contactless paymentdevice against said fee for said conversion.
 12. The method of claim 8,further comprising, in association with said repeated issuing,collecting user preference information from said second patron, saiduser preference information comprising at least an indication of adesire for said conversion.
 13. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising forming said recyclable contactless payment device as asouvenir of at least one of said venue and an event at said venue. 14.The method of claim 1, further comprising, in association with saidrepeated issuing, collecting user preference information from saidsecond patron, said user preference information comprising at least anindication of a desire to retain and use said recyclable contactlesspayment device upon leaving said venue.
 15. The method of claim 1,further comprising, in association with said deactivating step, advisingsaid first patron of a remaining balance associated with said recyclablecontactless payment device.
 16. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the additional step of, in association with saiddeactivating, disposing of a remaining balance of said recyclablecontactless payment device to at least two funding accounts.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the additional step of, inassociation with said deactivating, disposing of a remaining balance ofsaid recyclable contactless payment device by providing a referencenumber to a third party provider.
 18. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the additional step of affording said first patron anopportunity to top up a balance of said recyclable contactless paymentdevice within said venue.
 19. An apparatus comprising: means for issuinga recyclable contactless payment device to a first patron of a venue;means for facilitating said first patron using said contactless paymentdevice at said venue; means for facilitating said first patron returningsaid contactless payment device for recycling; means for deactivatingand storing said contactless payment device; and means for repeatingsaid issuing, facilitating using, and facilitating returning steps forat least a second patron of said venue, with said recyclable contactlesspayment device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: meansfor, in association with said issuing, collecting user preferenceinformation from said first patron; and means for, in association withsaid deactivating, disposing of a remaining balance of said recyclablecontactless payment device in accordance with said preferenceinformation.
 21. An apparatus comprising: a memory; a network interface;at least one processor, coupled to said memory and said networkinterface; and a plurality of distinct software modules embodied on atleast one tangible computer readable recordable storage medium, saidmodules comprising a return detection module, a refund module, a balanceand preference database module, and a deactivation module; wherein saiddistinct software modules, when loaded into said memory, cause said atleast one processor to be operative to: store first user preferenceinformation in said balance and preference database module, said firstuser preference information being associated with a recyclablecontactless payment device issued to a first patron of a venue; aftersaid first patron has used said contactless payment device at saidvenue, detect, by executing said return detection module andcommunication over said network interface, that said first patron hasreturned said recyclable contactless payment device for recycling andthat said recyclable contactless payment device returned for recyclingby said first patron is genuine; detect, by executing said refund moduleinterfacing with said balance and preference database module, that aremaining balance exists and is to be disposed of in accordance withsaid first user preference information; deactivate said recyclablecontactless payment device by executing said deactivation module;dispose of said remaining balance of said recyclable contactless paymentdevice in accordance with said preference information by executing saidrefund module; and store second user preference information in saidbalance and preference database module, said second user preferenceinformation being associated with said recyclable contactless paymentdevice in connection with issue of said recyclable contactless paymentdevice to a second patron of said venue.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein said distinct software modules, when loaded into said memory,further cause said at least one processor to be operative to: remove afirst account number and a first expiry date from said recyclablecontactless payment device by executing said deactivation module; andassociate a second expiry date and a second account number with saidrecyclable contactless payment device in connection with said issue ofsaid recyclable contactless payment device to said second patron of saidvenue.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said second userpreference information indicates that said second patron wishes toconvert said recyclable contactless payment device to a permanent,personalized payment card.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein saidsecond user preference information indicates that said second patronwishes to retain and use said recyclable contactless payment device uponleaving said venue.
 25. A computer program product comprising a tangiblecomputer readable recordable storage medium, said tangible computerreadable recordable storage medium embodying computer usable programcode configured such that, when executed by at least one hardwareprocessor, said computer usable program code causes said at least onehardware processor to: store first user preference information in abalance and preference database, said first user preference informationbeing associated with a recyclable contactless payment device issued toa first patron of a venue; after said first patron has used saidcontactless payment device at said venue, detect that said first patronhas returned said recyclable contactless payment device for recyclingand that said recyclable contactless payment device returned forrecycling by said first patron is genuine; detect that a remainingbalance exists and is to be disposed of in accordance with said firstuser preference information; deactivate said recyclable contactlesspayment device; dispose of said remaining balance of said recyclablecontactless payment device in accordance with said preferenceinformation; and store second user preference information in saidbalance and preference database, said second user preference informationbeing associated with said recyclable contactless payment device inconnection with issue of said recyclable contactless payment device to asecond patron of said venue.